The 17th Annual Row to the Future Breakfast Celebrates Excellence in Rowing
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
The 17th Annual Row to the Future Breakfast Celebrates Excellence in Rowing
Pacific Northwest’s Premier Rowing Celebration to Honor 2024 Olympian Jacob Plihal, Community Champion Shirley Wilson, and Outstanding Coach Jay Finney
SEATTLE — March 2025 — The George Pocock Rowing Foundation is proud to host the 17th Annual Row to the Future Breakfast on Friday, March 21, 2025, from 7:00 AM to 9:00 AM, with coffee hour starting at 6:00 AM at the Sheraton Grand Seattle (1400 6th Ave, Seattle, WA 98101). This signature event brings together rowers, supporters, and community leaders to celebrate the impact of rowing in the Pacific Northwest. The inspiring morning highlights the transformative power of the sport and recognizes individuals who have exemplified excellence, dedication, and leadership in rowing.
This year, we are thrilled to honor three outstanding people from the PNW rowing community, whose contributions showcase the power rowing has to shape lives:
Jacob Plihal, recipient of the George Pocock Excellence Award for an outstanding athlete, 2024 Paris Olympian and Olympic World Record holder in the men’s single sculls, whose achievements on the world stage embody the perseverance and excellence that define our rowing community. Jacob’s proud beginning and ongoing connection to Vashon Island is exemplified by his generous support and mentorship of youth and adult athletes at the Vashon Island Rowing Club, where he continues to inspire the next generation of rowers. Also nominated for their excellence in youth leadership were two current Vashon Island Rowing Club youth athletes, Laurel Calhoun, VIRC Co-Captain and Selene Delinis, VIRC Junior Board Representative.
Shirley Wilson, recipient of the George Pocock Excellence Award for an outstanding Community Member, was nominated by multiple people for her unwavering commitment to supporting athletes of all ages. Shirley’s leadership, mentorship, and passion for helping young people find, start, and stay in rowing have made an indelible impact on the sport. A master rower with Pocock Rowing Club and emeritus Board President of GPRF, Shirley’s legacy extends far beyond her personal achievements—her dedication to the rowing community has helped shape the future of the sport.
Jay Finney, recipient of the George Pocock Excellence Award for an outstanding coach, is recognized for his exceptional leadership, communication, and mentorship. As a coach, Jay shaped the careers of countless rowers, inspiring many to become coaches themselves. His ability to foster a supportive and disciplined team environment, while also managing the administrative and financial responsibilities of a college rowing program, demonstrates his lasting impact on the sport. A collegiate rower for Stanford and a long-time, beloved coach at Green Lake Crew and Bothell High School, Jay was a pillar of the Seattle rowing community. He passed away in 2024, and his award will be accepted posthumously by family or former teammates.
In addition to celebrating excellence in rowing, this year’s Row to the Future Breakfast presents an exciting opportunity for the rowing community. The George Pocock Rowing Foundation has received a sustaining gift of $400,000 from a long-time supporter, with a challenge: to fill the room with 600 rowing enthusiasts who believe in expanding access to the sport.
“This generous gift is a testament to the great work our GPRF does for the Pacific Northwest rowing community,” said Jenn Gibbons, Executive Director of the George Pocock Rowing Foundation. “It is a gift that comes with a challenge—and with the can-do spirit of a rower—we believe our community is ready to do a Power-10 to invite rowing supporters and friends. To unlock its full potential, we need to rally 600 passionate rowers, parents, and supporters to join us at this year’s event. This isn’t just about showing up; it’s about showing that rowing has the power to change lives, and together, we can make that change happen.”
The Row to the Future Breakfast serves as a vital fundraising event, supporting programs that provide access to rowing for youth from all backgrounds. Attendees will hear powerful stories from athletes, coaches, and alumni whose lives have been transformed by the sport.
Event Details:
📅 Date: Friday, March 21, 2025
☕ Coffee Hour: 6:00 AM – 7:00 AM
⏰ Breakfast: 7:00 AM – 8:30 AM
📍 Location: Sheraton Grand Seattle, 1400 6th Ave, Seattle, WA 98101
Join us as we celebrate the legacy and future of rowing in the Pacific Northwest. For more information and to RSVP, visit the event website.
About the George Pocock Rowing Foundation
The George Pocock Rowing Foundation (GPRF) is dedicated to fostering a vibrant rowing community by increasing access to the sport, supporting athlete development, and upholding the values of teamwork, discipline, and excellence. GPRF supports access to rowing through:
Erg Ed®, a public middle school indoor rowing program introducing thousands of students to rowing each year.
Camp Lucy, a free leadership and rowing camp for individuals historically underrepresented in the sport.
Athlete Scholarships & Retention, which helps offset the costs of rowing for youth rowers from families with socioeconomic needs across 14 partner boathouses.
Pocock Youth Rowing is a rowing program for middle and high school rowers that helps young people discover who they are, what they can do, and how they belong in their community and the world.
For media inquiries, interviews, or sponsorship opportunities, please contact:
Contact Nell Aiello, George Pocock Rowing Foundation, nell@pocockfoundation.org, 773-351-9834 or Rachael Arand, Events Coordinator and Executive Assistant, 206-566-5436, rachael@pocockfoundation.org
